We were lucky to catch up with Britney Rudolph recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Britney, thanks for joining us today. Along with taking care of clients, taking care of our team is one of the most important things we can do as leaders. Looking back on your journey, did you have a boss that was really great? Maybe you can tell us about that boss and what made them a wonderful person to work for?

I had been teaching Yoga for a few years at Grace Tree Yoga when my friend Kristen decided to take over ownership. At the time, the previous owners had offered it to us teachers but no one was in a position to be able to take over. The students had already been notified that the studio would be closing and honestly it was a tough time for all of us knowing this place we had grown to love so much was going to shut down. Thankfully, Kristen jumped in and decided to keep us going. Since I had started teaching, I had always thought it would be wonderful to have my own studio, but didn’t have the confidence to bring it into fruition. Because we were such good friends, it felt so easy and natural to help her when it came to planning events or coming up with new ideas. After a while, I started managing the studio and working along side her. She has the ability to bring out the best in people and makes you feel safe and comfortable to share new ideas. She is incredibly knowledgeable and never made anyone feel silly for knowing less than she did. After working along side her for a while, she found out that her husband’s job was being transferred out of state. She asked me if I would be willing to take over ownership of Grace Tree. I had so many doubts about whether or not I could, as I felt she had done such a beautiful job. How could anyone live up to that? I couldn’t imagine her no longer being a part of the studio! She encouraged me and reminded me that not only did I have the knowledge to do so, but that this was my opportunity to have my own space (that she knew I had always wanted). She lovingly guided me for months leading up to her move. When I officially took over ownership of the studio, I felt prepared and confident to do so – on my own. I truly owe that to Kristen for being such a beautiful mentor. I am forever grateful for her! I still keep in touch with her and know I can go to her with any questions that come up. Such a blessing to have a friend like that in my life!!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

In 2016, a friend of mine invited me to my first yoga class. I had been practicing at home but had never been to a class in a studio before. At the time, my boys were very young and I was one busy, exhausted mom. My oldest son has Autism and needed a lot of special attention, leaving little time to take care of myself. I was also trying to help my mom take care of my dad who struggled with mental illness and addiction. Life just felt so hard and chaotic that I didn’t feel like there was any time for me. After taking the class, I can remember feeling so refreshed and rejuvenated. Not only did the effects of yoga benefit my body, but also my mind. I felt so peaceful for the first time in a long time. I knew that I needed to know more about yoga. I decided to sign up for yoga teacher training not long after. I remember telling my teacher at the time “I don’t even want to teach, I just want this for myself”. I enjoyed taking a deep dive into the postures, philosophy, energetics, and so on. The more I practiced, the more my nervous system began to benefit. I was starting to feel safe in my own body. About a week before I graduated from training, my dad passed away from an overdose. I knew in that moment, that I had to share the gift that yoga had given me with others. I immediately asked the owners at the time for a class on the schedule and thankfully they gave me the opportunity. (My teacher now loves to tell new students about the time I said “I’m not even going to teach!”) As a teacher I have always felt like it is important to create a safe space for our students. You truly never know what someone is going through. I share my story with my students often. I think it’s important to acknowledge there’s so much strength in vulnerability as It helps others to know that they’re not so alone. The last few years I’ve been dealing with health issues and have had multiple surgeries. Yoga continues to show up as essential in my life in dealing with everyday stress and chronic pain. The continued benefits never cease to amaze me! In my classes, I like to focus on teaching from the heart and building community. I want everyone that comes into my classes to know they’re seen and wanted here. I am proud of the fact that our students not only have a space to focus on themselves and their own personal practice, but that they’ve made friendships and connections at Grace Tree. Our little yoga community is truly something special and I think that’s what sets us apart!

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

As a yoga studio owner, I think it’s important for the teachers to feel seen and heard. I always want them to feel safe to come to me with new ideas, or when they need help solving problems. We are ever evolving and growing as individual teachers and it’s important to remember to be flexible and willing to try new things until you figure out what works. Whether that’s adjusting class times, coming up with a new workshop or class description, or adding a new class in hopes of growth. The only way to know if something works is through trial and error. I think the more involvement our team has, the better off our group is as a whole. We are all in this together and I couldn’t do this without them! I truly value their opinions and suggestions and I hope they always feel that.

Let’s talk M&A – we’d love to hear your about your experience with buying businesses.

I purchased Grace Tree Yoga from my friend and mentor Kristen, who owned it at the time. I feel incredibly lucky to have had her in my life as she was patient with me and allowed an adjustment period for me to ease into ownership. I realize not everyone gets such an opportunity when taking over a business. I was able work side by side with her for about 6 months as she shared so much knowledge and spent time training me until I officially took over. If it wasn’t for her, I don’t know that I would’ve had the confidence to be willing to take ownership. As far as the acquisition process, she had agreed to allow me to make payments towards the studio during the months I was training. Once I was ready, the business was transferred into my name. I feel so grateful to now own the studio where I came to my first yoga class and where I went through yoga teacher training! Our studio is rooted in community and connection. We feel it’s important to hold space for our students wherever they are in their life and yoga journey. We aim to assist students by providing inspiration, education, and tools to create a holistic balance between mind, body and spirit. We offer classes, workshops, private special events, reiki, yoga teacher trainings and continued education.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.gracetreestudio.com
• Instagram: @gracetreeyoga
• Facebook: facebook.com/gracetreestudio

Image Credits
Photographer: Dan Rudolph @honest.wage